One dead, over 70 hospitalised after diarrhoea outbreak in Andhra Pradesh’s in Srikakulam, high alert in affected areas

A sudden diarrhea outbreak in Srikakulam town has raised significant health concerns in Andhra Pradesh. As of now, at least one has died and about 70 have been hospitalised. This has come immediately after the issue of five people dying and several being hospitalised, some critical, after consuming adulterated milk in Rajamahendravaram, in East Godavari district.

Speaking to The Hindu on Wednesday (February 25), the Srikakulam collector, Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar, said, “A total of 76 suspected cases have been identified. A total of 54 patients are undergoing treatment at various hospitals, including KIMS, and one death with comorbidities was also reported. The deceased is identified as M. Suresh, who is over 50 years old, from the Dammalaveedhi of the town. Two more patients are under the ventilator system. Their condition is being monitored.”

The Collector further said that everything has been brought under control, and the samples of the water have been sent to a laboratory in Visakhapatnam for testing.

“We have sent the water samples at the labs in Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam. We are yet to get the lab reports from Visakhapatnam. We have not found any contamination in the Srikakulam labs as per the preliminary information. The water was supplied from the overhead tanks in the areas and it was supplied by the municipality,” he said.

The Collector said that special medical camps have been set up, and the government has committed to bear the medical expenses of those being treated in the private hospitals. The outbreak is concentrated in Kaki Veedhi, Dammala Veedhi, Gudi Veedhi, Kandra Veedhi, and Manguvari Thota.

According to local sources, suspect water contamination was caused by the recent road expansion work that is believed to have damaged municipal pipelines, allowing drainage water to seep into the drinking water supply lines.

Reviewing the situation, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said that the State Government has been actively monitoring the situation through teleconferences with district officials. He ordered a thorough investigation into the pipeline leakages and instructed the medical department to provide the “best possible treatment” to all victims.

He directed officials to stop municipal water supply in the affected areas immediately, provide water via tankers, and intensify chlorination across the town. Former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed serious concern, calling the outbreak a result of “administrative failure” and government negligence.

He pointed out that poor road repair work and a lack of precautions in the drinking water supply directly led to the contamination. He has demanded that the government appoint senior specialists to monitor patients on ventilators and ensure no effort is spared in saving lives, and urged for immediate inquiry and strict action against the responsible officials.

Safety Advice by the - Authorities for Srikakulam residents

Avoid Tap Water: Do not use municipal tap water for drinking or cooking until further notice.

Boil Water: If using any local water source, boil it thoroughly before consumption.

Report Symptoms: Immediately visit the Government General Hospital (GGH) or the nearest health center if you experience vomiting or dehydration.

For Emergency contact : 08942-229080